Imagine a world where the massive energy demands of AI data centers no longer strain aging grids, where clean, reliable power arrives in factory-built modules instead of sprawling traditional plants. That future feels closer than ever in early 2026. The small modular reactor (SMR) sector has shifted from theory to tangible momentum, fueled by regulatory changes, government support, and serious commitments from tech giants hungry for carbon-free baseload electricity. I’ve watched nuclear discussions for years, and honestly, the pace right now is exhilarating—and a little nerve-wracking.
Navigating the Evolving SMR Licensing Landscape
The path to deploying an SMR commercially in the United States has never been simple, but recent reforms have cracked open new doors. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission remains the final gatekeeper for grid-connected power sales, yet upstream support from the Department of Energy and Department of Defense now dramatically accelerates the journey. These agencies provide testing grounds, funding, and real-world data that regulators can credit later, shaving years off traditional timelines. It’s a clever reimagining of how nuclear innovation can move faster without sacrificing safety.
The Core Regulatory Pathways Explained
Three main licensing routes exist under U.S. federal regulations. The classic two-step process under Part 50 lets developers secure a construction permit first, then an operating license later—ideal when designs are still evolving. The combined license under Part 52 bundles both approvals into one, especially powerful when referencing a pre-certified standard design. Then there’s the brand-new Part 53 framework, rolled out in late 2025 and early 2026, which emphasizes risk-informed, performance-based standards rather than rigid prescriptions. Developers tell me this shift alone feels like removing a straitjacket from advanced technologies.
Beyond the NRC, the DOE acts as an incubator through pilot programs on national lab sites, allowing reactor testing without full commercial licensing. Data from those operations feeds directly into NRC reviews, creating a fast-track effect. Meanwhile, the Defense Department offers its own lane for dual-use projects, authorizing reactors for military bases and generating operational proof that later supports civilian applications. Together, these pathways create multiple on-ramps to the same destination.
Oklo’s Aurora: Betting Big on Fast Metal-Cooled Tech
Oklo has become one of the most talked-about names lately, thanks to its liquid-metal-cooled Aurora design. Originally conceived at much smaller scale, the company now targets 75 MWe units, with plans scaling even higher for clustered deployments. A major agreement with a leading social media company in January 2026 secured pre-payments and land for a potential 1.2 GW campus in Ohio, giving Oklo serious financial breathing room to push through licensing.
They’re building their first unit at Idaho National Laboratory under DOE authorization—no NRC commercial license required yet for that pilot. Ground broke in late 2025, and the goal is criticality sometime in 2026. What impresses me most is how Oklo plans to leverage real operating data from this test reactor to streamline their NRC pre-application under the new Part 53 rules. If everything aligns, commercial units could reach customers by the end of the decade. The involvement of major industrial partners for manufacturing and fuel supply only strengthens the case.
- DOE pilot underway with groundbreaking completed
- NRC topical reports progressing quickly
- Strategic pre-payment deal funding regulatory costs
- Target commercial operation around 2028
Still, first-of-a-kind risks remain. Delays in fuel qualification or unexpected test results could push timelines, but the momentum feels genuine.
TerraPower’s Natrium: Sodium-Cooled with Storage Muscle
Backed by decades of experience and significant private capital, TerraPower’s Natrium reactor combines a 345 MWe sodium-cooled fast reactor with molten salt storage that can ramp output to 500 MWe for hours. That flexibility makes it especially attractive for grids balancing renewables or serving variable loads like data centers. Another major tech firm recently signed on for potentially multiple plants, signaling strong demand.
They chose the traditional two-step Part 50 route, allowing early non-nuclear construction while the NRC reviews safety aspects. The DOE’s cost-share program has covered substantial licensing expenses, and the final safety evaluation report arrived ahead of schedule in late 2025. Concrete pours for the nuclear island are expected soon, with grid connection targeted for 2030 at the lead Wyoming site.
The ability to store and dispatch energy on demand changes everything for nuclear economics.
— Industry observer familiar with advanced designs
In my view, the integrated storage feature gives Natrium a real edge in a world increasingly dominated by intermittent sources. Construction progress already looks promising.
X-energy’s Xe-100: Pebble-Bed Reliability Meets Industrial Heat
X-energy’s high-temperature gas-cooled Xe-100 uses TRISO fuel pebbles and targets both power and industrial process heat. Deployed in four-packs for roughly 320 MWe, the design has attracted heavy interest from chemical manufacturers and hyperscalers alike. A major 2025 investment round and partnerships with international players bolster their position.
They’re pursuing Part 50 for the lead commercial site in Texas, while separately licensing their TRISO fuel fabrication facility. DOE funding has offset half the regulatory burden, and vertical control over fuel supply reduces a common bottleneck. Startup at the first commercial unit is eyed for 2030, with larger pipeline projects following.
What stands out here is the focus on dual-use applications—electricity plus high-grade heat. That versatility could unlock markets traditional nuclear has struggled to reach.
Other Notable Players Pushing Forward
The field is crowded and diverse. BWXT leverages Department of Defense authorization for its transportable microreactor, using military testing to de-risk commercial versions. GE Hitachi’s BWRX-300 benefits from proven boiling-water heritage and parallel licensing in Canada and the U.S., aiming for grid connection in the late 2020s. Kairos Power iterates rapidly with salt-cooled prototypes, backed by utility power purchase agreements and tech partnerships.
- Holtec advances its PWR-based SMR-300 at a restarted site, using existing infrastructure advantages.
- NuScale holds the only certified SMR design so far, positioning it as the “ready-now” option for customers.
- Westinghouse scales down its proven AP1000 technology into the AP300, minimizing new regulatory hurdles.
- Smaller entrants like NANO Nuclear target micro and portable units, often starting with university or research deployments.
Rolls-Royce brings factory-built philosophy from its UK program, seeking U.S. credit for overseas reviews. Each company follows a slightly different playbook, yet all benefit from reduced NRC fees, DOE grants, and private-sector demand signals.
What This Means for the Broader Energy Future
The convergence of regulatory reform, federal backing, and private capital has created genuine tailwinds. Tech companies committing billions to nuclear offtake isn’t just PR—it’s a pragmatic response to skyrocketing power needs that renewables alone cannot reliably meet 24/7. If even half these projects reach commercial operation by the early 2030s, the U.S. could see a meaningful revival of nuclear capacity.
Of course challenges persist. Supply chain constraints for high-assay low-enriched uranium, workforce shortages, and potential public perception issues could slow progress. Yet the sheer number of serious players and the diversity of designs suggest resilience. Some will stumble, but others will cross the finish line—and those successes will pave the way for wider adoption.
Looking ahead, 2026 feels like a pivotal year. Criticality milestones, construction permit decisions, and further offtake agreements will separate frontrunners from the pack. For anyone interested in clean energy’s next chapter, staying tuned to SMR developments is no longer optional—it’s essential. The question isn’t whether modular nuclear will play a major role; it’s which designs and companies will lead the charge.
The momentum is real, the pathways are clearer, and the stakes—energy security, climate goals, economic competitiveness—could hardly be higher. Whatever happens next, the SMR story is one worth following closely.
